Ethiopia

Expert opinion: Timkat Festival

"Throngs of white-clad festival-goers sleepily make their way to the holy baptismal pool. As the early morning sun starts to warm the crowds, the feeling of anticipation is palpable. Children climb trees to get good views and adults jostle for space. The priests and deacons arrive, their blue velvet robes and yellow capes throwing a splash of colour amidst the sea of white. They line up on the water’s edge and start chanting, swaying and clapping their hands. It is bewitching. The ceremony climaxes as the head priest dips an ornate gold cross into the pool blessing the waters. Right on cue, dozens of boys jump into the holy water, symbolising Jesus being baptised in the River Jordan."

Exodus Expert Tom Harari – read more from him here